Providence Sacred Heart Techs ULP Strike Day 2 update

Amazing turnout of workers and community the first two days of the strike! We will be sending out short updates throughout the strike- today is an important update regarding your strike benefits and an invitation to join the Rally tomorrow night 4/24 at 7pm in Cowley Park.

Please help pass the word to friends and family- and wear your best western themed clothing for a Sunset showdown Rally in support of the Technical workers. We’ll be joined by community and legislative speakers… we hope to see you there!

WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT?    

Our Union Executive Board has approved strike fund benefits for represented workers of: 

  • $500/week for picketing a minimum of 20 hours a week, 

  • $800/week for picketing a minimum of 32 hours or more a week, 

  • $200/week “Respect the Line Benefit” for those who cannot join their colleagues on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross. *Respect the Line Benefit only available on full week.  

    Since this is an 8.5 day strike, there are an extra two days that represented workers are eligible for strike benefits: 

  • Week 1: Monday April 22 – Sunday April 28: Receive benefit above based on hours on the strike line 

  • Week 2: Monday April 29 – Tuesday April 30: Strike Benefit will be pro-rated

  • $200 for picketing 8-12 hr

  • $320 for picketing more than 12 hr

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart.

Come by at 7 PM to meet striking workers and prepare for a sunset solidarity rally, with voices from the hospital and our community. Let’s show Sacred Heart workers that this community has their back!

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart. https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/620522/
 

UFCW Locals issue statement on Kroger's updated proposed divesture plan

UFCW 5, 7, 324, 400, 770 and 3000

“This bigger proposed divestiture simply increases the challenge C&S, a New Hampshire-based wholesaler, would have trying to operate a hodgepodge chain of retail stores. They have no experience operating retail stores in these states, would still lack the IT, customer loyalty and manufacturing capabilities needed, and would most likely end up monetizing the real estate under many of these stores,” said a coalition of UFCW locals (Locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000). These local UFCWs have been central in the coalition opposing the proposed merger from the get-go and represent over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers across the nation from Washington DC and surrounding states, and California, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington state and Wyoming.

Please go to www.nogrocerymerger.com for more information in the coalition efforts to oppose the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger.

 Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421

Providence Sacred Heart Techs ULP Strike starts on April 22

ULP Strike starts on April 22

On Monday April 22 at 2pm our unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Providence Sacred Heart begins. The most important thing is that as we leave our shifts, there is a continuum of patient care. We cannot abandon our patients and should follow Providence’s instructions for safe transfer of work. Technical workers whose shift starts prior to 2pm on April 22 should report to their shift and at 2pm should give report and safely transfer their assignment to a replacement worker. If there is no replacement worker to transfer your assignment to, then you should continue working your shift until you can safely transfer your assignment (this may be at the end of your shift). Once you have safely transferred your assignment then you can join us on the strike line!

If you do not work on April 22, please join us on the strike line starting at 2pm so we can welcome our coworkers who have walked off their shifts. You may sign in on Day 1 on the strike line OR at the sign in Tent on 8th and McClellan St.

The strike will conclude on April 30 at 8:30pm. As this is a ULP strike, Providence must offer all technical workers an unconditional return to work. This means that technical workers should expect to work their next regular or call shift following April 30 at 8:30pm. If your regular or call shift on April 30 starts before 8:30pm, Providence will communicate instructions. We expect that supervisors will send out return-to-work instructions on or before April 29.

While we encourage all technical workers to join us on the strike line throughout our 8-day ULP strike, we recognize that personal circumstances may influence individual decisions regarding participation. If you choose to strike, please adhere to Providence's instructions.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Union Representative Juanita Quezada, 509-340-7407.

For more information about our ULP strike please visit ufcw3000.org/strike >>

Event: Stand With Sacred Heart Workers on ULP Strike

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart.

Come by at 7 PM to meet striking workers and prepare for a sunset solidarity rally, with voices from the hospital and our community.

Let’s show Sacred Heart workers that this community has their back!

Macy's Workers Launch ULP Strike on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Early yesterday morning, Macy’s workers at the Alderwood Mall location began an Unfair Labor Practice strike. Despite frigid temperatures, we took to the picket lines this MLK Day to stand up for ourselves, our colleagues, our families and our customers in the face of management’s blatant disrespect.
 
As you know, we have been in negotiations with Macy’s for close to a year now. Instead of coming to the bargaining table with thoughtful proposals that honor our contribution to this company’s success, Macy’s continues to undermine the process by repeatedly committing unfair labor practices, including bargaining in bad faith, changing working conditions unilaterally, and engaging in direct dealing while misleading workers about the most recent contract offer.
 
As of right now we plan to stay off the job indefinitely, picketing every day during Macy’snormalbusiness hours. We hope Macy’s will come back to the bargaining table to begin working on an agreement that isn’t riddled with takeaways and concessions. Macy’s workers deserve an agreement that protects us when we are at work, respects our time with the company and is something we can be proud of.

Macy’s most recent Last Best and Final offer just isn’t enough, offering:

  • The elimination of our personal day in honor of MLK day, reducing our amount of paid time off and disrespecting an important holiday.

  • Eliminating our hard-won wage scale—and without any guarantee that experienced workers will be paid above what new hires receive.

  • A rejection of our proposed safety language that would protect workers from discipline if we call mall security or the police in response to a violent situation.

  • Just $0.50 per year in General Wage Increases (GWI) to current workers, with low ratification bonuses of $300 for part-time workers and $600 for full-time workers.

  • Check out management’s Last Best and Final offer here >>

This insulting offer was made by a company that has recorded more than a billion-dollar annual profit margin. A company made profitable off the work of the people now walking the strike line.

We must continue to be prepared to go on strike at the other Macy’s locations, Bellis Fair Mall, Southcenter Mall and the Alderwood and Tukwila Furniture Galleries. Workers could strike any day at any of these locations, joining workers at Alderwood ON STRIKE!
 
In anticipation of a longer strike, our rank-and-file worker-led Executive Board approved more comprehensive strike benefits of:

  • $500/week for striking members who work 20 hours on the strike line.

  • $800/week for striking members who work 32+ hours on the strike.

  • $200/week Respect the Line Benefit for striking members who cannot join their coworkers on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross (for a maximum of 4 weeks).

To receive your strike benefit, sign in and out of your shift on the strike line, or if you are respecting the line, please email strike@UFCW3000.org to notify our union that you will be respecting the line but not walking the line.  All members receiving any type of Strike Benefit must have a completed W9 on file. If you haven’t already done so, please sign a W9 here >>

Join our next All Macy’s Member Call this Wednesday, January 17 at 5pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212637000 to discuss the strike and next steps.

Check out the Strike FAQ for some basic information >>

See you on the strike line soon, stay warm!

PCC Update - Take Action! Info Pickets on Tuesday!

In our last session, your union bargaining team put forward a proposal. It included, among other improvements, the following demands.

  • To maintain the best of our healthcare plan!

  • To give us industry leading wages and a shortened path to Journey!

  • To develop lasting worker representation in the governance of PCC as well as a path to a worker ownership that would give us a share of future PCC success!

Unfortunately, despite our efforts to come up with creative ways to achieve a good contract, PCC was unwilling to offer a response to our proposal. As a result, we have requested to go to mediation for our next bargaining sessions. PCC has agreed to this option.

With months of bargaining behind us, where PCC has been unwilling to offer wages that even match what others in the industry achieved years ago, it is time that we show PCC how serious we are about securing a great contract!

To demonstrate strength of our solidarity, we want every available worker to join us on December 19 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the various locations where we are holding Informational Pickets:

  • Columbia City 3610 S Edmunds St, Seattle, WA 98118

  • Issaquah 1810 12th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

  • Green Lake Village 450 NE 71st St, Seattle, WA 98115

  • Edmonds 9803 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020

  • Redmond 11435 Avondale Rd NE Suite 101, Redmond, WA 98052

  • Central District 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122

UFCW 3000 Announces 3-Day Strike at Macy’s Across Western Washington

A group of Macy's workers and supporters at an informational picket earlier this year.

UFCW Local 3000 members at Macy’s have been engaged in contract negotiations with their employer for over 8 months. Over the course of negotiations Macy’s has engaged in unfair labor practices (ULPs) that have interfered with the bargaining process, refused to agree to sensible safety language, and is offering most workers a meager 50 cents annual wage increase all while proposing to eliminate their wage scales.

Workers have had enough, announcing a 3-day unfair labor practice strike that will begin on Black Friday and carry through the busy holiday weekend. Strikes will be held at Union Macy’s stores at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham.

UFCW Local 3000 members across all industries can help striking Macy’s workers by signing up for a shift on the strike line. You can also RSVP to the Macy’s Striking Workers Parade, which will kick off the ULP strike to great fanfare at the Southcenter location on Black Friday!

Strike Shift Sign-Up

Sign up for a shift on the strike line at any of these Union Macy’s:

  • Southcenter Mall in Tukwila

  • Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood

  • or Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham

Macy’s Striking Workers Parade

9 AM on Black Friday (11/24)

Southcenter Mall (Tukwila)

A parody of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, this event features speakers advocating for striking workers, towering inflatables, and a Cher impersonator!

Candlelight vigil for patient safety at Providence Everett

Join nurses, community, and patients at this candlelight vigil. Support nurses in their upcoming ULP strike for patient safety. Nurses are fighting for their community and patients. Show Providence we stand united!

November 16 at 5:30PM Vigil at the Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park (Colby Ave & 13th St, Everett, WA 98201). Vigil begins at 6PM.


PRMCE RN Notice Issued: 10 DAYS until nurse ULP Strike!

ALERT: 10 Day Notice for our 5 day ULP Strike Given Today!

We are nurses, advocates for patient safety, and the backbone of Providence Everett (PRMCE). We made our position clear by an over 97% vote- that Providence had to either come to the table and in good faith consider our common-sense solutions to the major issues facing our coworkers and patients, or we were ready to engage in a ULP Strike.

Providence in bad faith dismissed previously agreed upon agreements solely based on our shift away from expedited negotiations. This not only hindered the bargaining process but also raised doubts about their commitment to engage in good-faith negotiations.

We interpret these actions as punitive measures on the part of Providence Everett, including the refusal to honor previously established tentative agreements from expedited bargaining. These punitive measures, in our view, constitute an unfair labor practice.

After a long day of bargaining the next step is clear: the time to stand up is now!  
It's time to make our voices heard and demand that Providence bargain in good faith.
Today we gave our 10-day notice for a ULP strike. Our strike will start November 14 at 6 a.m.

In response to our efforts to rebuild trust and enhance patient safety within our community, Providence said: They are not interested.

In response to ensure safe staffing, Providence responded: They are not interested.

In response to fairly compensating us and to ensure we are leaders in the industry, Providence responded: They are not interested.

Our Bargaining Team has put forward comprehensive proposals, which included safe staffing accountability, night shift nurse longevity, community responsibility, competitive wage increases, recognition for years of experience, 12-month step progression, and retention bonuses. We made these suggestions to ensure that we can provide the best care possible for our patients.  

Unfortunately, PRMCE rejected our common sense solutions and instead has committed unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith.

We urge all nurses at PRMCE to stand up for safe staffing and a contract that attracts and retains staff. Starting from November 14 at 6am, do not report to work, and join our ULP strike line. Sign up for a strike shift on ufcw3000.org/strike to ensure that our collective action is organized and effective.

Important events over the next 10 days:

November 4-13: Union Staff will be at Colby Campus or Pavilion Bistro Campus daily from 5am– 8am & 11am- 2pm to assist with strike paperwork and strike shift sign up

November 6: Press Conference at 11am @ Strike Headquarters: 2810 Lombard St. Everett 98201

November 7: Strike Picket Making Party from 4 – 6pm @ Strike Headquarters: 2810 Lombard St. Everett 98201

Leaflet grocery stores by PRMCE  from 3-5pm Grocery Store Leaflet (RSVP with Rep Anthony Cantu)

8pm Strike Captain Meeting via Zoom w/ ULP Training https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81373254464pwd=aVV0d3Q1YlhGaHByeVRycGV3QkF2QT09

Nov 8: Telephone Town Hall Strike Q&A with UFCW 3000 President and Nurses at 7:30pm (You will receive a call from UFCW 3000 at 7:30pm, just pick up the phone!)

November 11: Neighborhood leaflet @ 11am (RSVP with Anthony Cantu)

November 14: 1st day of the ULP Strike @ 6AM

To receive strike benefits including emergency family resources, nurses will need to complete a W9 form with Union Staff. We will be providing physical forms in the Hospital with the sections highlighted that need to be completed and signed. Originals must be returned to Union staff. Come to the Colby Campus or Pavilion Bistro Campus daily from 5am– 8am and 11am –2pm.

Our commitment to patient safety and our colleagues is unwavering, and it's time for PRMCE to take action that aligns with our priorities of providing above standard and safe care to our community. We will strike for what is right, and we will prevail!

Let's strike, united and unyielding, on November 14th, and together, we will ensure that our community and our patients’ voices are heard!

PRMCE RNs From Scrubs to Strike: What's Next?

From Scrubs to Strike: What's Next?

On October 19, an overwhelming majority of nurses authorized a strike. This strike authorization gives our Registered Nurse UFCW 3000 Bargaining Team authority to issue a strike notice. It's crucial to understand that a strike isn't merely a work stoppage; it's a collective assertion of our rights and our commitment to the well-being of our patients.

With this strike authorization, we now possess considerable leverage. On November 3, we will return to the bargaining table -one final opportunity for PRMCE Management to show a genuine willingness to amend their proposals and avert a strike. Our objective extends beyond strike readiness; we are earnestly seeking a swift agreement on a fair contract that serves the best interests of our community and patients.  

As we approach the bargaining table on November 3, we insist that PRMCE engage in good-faith negotiations and make substantial improvements to their proposals. These improvements encompass areas such as: safe staffing accountability, night shift nurse longevity, community responsibility, competitive wage increases, recognition for years of experience, 12-month step progression, and retention bonuses.

Should a resolution not be reached on November 3, we will issue a strike notice.

From now until November 3, we will not remain silent. We are actively involved in community actions to shed light on the staffing crisis at PRMCE and the hospital's questionable bargaining practices. On October 25, we met with the leadership of North King and Snohomish County International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), who have pledged their support and readiness to take action. Furthermore, we are diligently finalizing strike logistics over the next couple weeks.

Preparing for the Strike:

Nurses who volunteer for strike duty for a minimum of 20 hours per week will be eligible for union strike benefits of $500. All nurses, including probationary nurses, nurse residents, and per diem nurses, are eligible to participate in the strike.

*Updates to Strike Benefits forms! We previously had shared that nurses need to complete a W4, I9, and share ID to receive Strike Benefits. We were able to simplify the process, with one single form (W9) and this also means it will not be taxed.

To receive Strike Benefits, nurses will need to complete a W9 form with Union Staff. We will be providing physical forms in the Hospital with the sections highlighted that need to be completed and signed. Originals must be returned into Union staff. We will be sending out days/times staff will be at both Hospital campuses.

*If you already completed the W4/I9, sorry for duplication! We will need you to complete the W9. Thank you!

To avoid delays in receiving your strike benefits, please complete your forms prior to the start of the strike. Strike checks for nurses will be mailed to the addresses on file with the union .

It is vital that your contact information, including your personal email, cell phone, and mailing address are up-to-date with the union so you receive important bargaining updates, strike information, and vote notices.Update your information here >>

UFCW 3000 maintains a hardship fund to assist members facing particularly challenging financial situations.

Upcoming Actions:

October 27: Strike Paperwork @ Colby campus cafeteria from 5:30am - 8am and 5pm - 8pm. In the Colby cafeteria & Pacific campus bistro from 11am - 2pm

October 29: Everett Canvass & Community Lawn Sign Distribution:11:00am - 2:00pm at the Milkhouse Coffee Company, 4405 Rucker Ave, Everett, WA 98203

October 30: Strike Paperwork @ Colby campus cafeteria and Pacific Campus bistro from 11am - 2pm 

October 30: Spooktacular Sign-Making Soiree from 4pm - 8pm. Join us for a strike sign making event on October 30, from 4pm - 8pm at the Snohomish County Labor Temple. Bring your children, family, and friends to our Spooktacular Sign-Making Soiree! You can learn about effective strike tactics against PRMCE, enjoy treats for your kids, and make your Strike Sign.

October 30: Contract Expires!

October 31: Attend the Strike Captain Meetings (open to all nurses) every Tuesday at 8pm >>

October 31: Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm                 

November 1: ​Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm 

November 2: Kaiser Permanente on Strike in Everett -join the line!

November 2: Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm

November 3: Bargaining resumes with PRMCE

LabCorp After LabCorp's unacceptable wage proposal - we're taking action!

Last week, we received LabCorp Management’s first economic counterproposal. We had proposed substantial cost of living adjustments and base wage increases for all positions that would put us on par with the University of Washington, LabCorp’s biggest competitor in our area. LabCorp offered base wage increases between 1% and 5%, proposed changing (and for most positions, reducing) percentages between Steps, rejected market adjustments to premiums and differentials, and proposed increasing healthcare costs for every plan option.

When we asked if they seriously thought this economic proposal would fix their staffing problems, they emphasized that this was only their opening offer. We found this insulting and disappointing after months of discussion about the financial struggles we’re all facing and the difficulty LabCorp continues to have recruiting and retaining skilled, dedicated workers.

Because of the hard work of us and our coworkers around the country, LabCorp made record profits during the Covid-19 pandemic. We don’t expect LabCorp to singlehandedly fix the rising costs of housing, childcare, gas, or groceries—but we do expect our employer to pay us fair and competitive wages, provide accessible and affordable healthcare, and proactively support our continuing education. It’s good business sense. It’s best for our patients. It’s the right thing to do.

We deserve better, and we’re going to fight for it!

*UFCW 3000 LabCorp Workers’ Informational Picket has been rescheduled for October 19 from the previous date of October 12!

UFCW 3000 LabCorp members will be outside of James Tower at Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus on October 5 and October 19* to educate our communities, providers, and patients about our fight. All of us need to show up and stand united to win the contract we deserve. We return to the bargaining table in mid-October. Let’s show LabCorp that together, we’re an unstoppable force for change!

LEAFLETING & SIGN-MAKING @ JAMES TOWER: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6:30AM-8:30AM / 11AM-1PM / 3PM-5PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

On our day off or on our breaks, we’ll be outside James Tower to share our stories with the community, make picket signs, and get excited about the next actions. Can’t make it? Share your picket sign message or LabCorp-themed chant with us on Slack, Facebook, at work, or with our Union Rep.

INFORMATIONAL PICKET @ JAMES TOWER: OCTOBER 19* from 11AM-1PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

We’re taking action and holding our first informational picket of the year to show LabCorp that workers and the community stand united. Let’s send LabCorp a powerful message about our determination to win a fair contract.

Sign the petition for fair wages —and ask your co-workers to sign!

Event-leafleting calendar and community postcards coming soon!

Interested in sharing your story (or your department’s story) on our labor podcast, on our social media, or in an op-ed? Reach out to our Union Rep, Christie Harris.

Stopping the merger update

Since the day the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons was announced, our local unions and members have been taking action to protect our stores, our jobs, and our customers. Keeping you all informed during this process has been a priority. Thousands of you joined our Telephone Town Hall Update in May with members from the West Coast, the East Coast, and many states in between. Since May , members, community and allies across the country have been working hard as part of the “Stop the Merger Coalition" to convince the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that this merger is a bad deal for everyone.

Here's a brief snapshot of what we've been doing to oppose the devastating proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons:

  • Getting the Word Out: spreading the word through social media, press releases, and community events. Members have been letting everyone know why this merger is a major problem, including a threat to jobs, competition, higher prices, and how it will hurt our local communities.

  • Talking to Decision-Makers: advocating with policymakers in the federal government and state Attorneys General in California, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, DC, and many more to ensure they understand our concerns. UFCW Members are testifying, sharing stories, and making sure your voices are heard where it counts. The news coverage has been massive and important in getting our stories out to the public.

  • Making Our Case: UFCW members are leading the fight to show federal and state policymakers that prioritizing the impact on grocery store workers is paramount to a thriving network of grocery stores in our local communities. Without workers’ lives being a primary consideration, the ones who benefit will be the Kroger and Albertsons executives. Albertsons owners already took nearly $4 billion out of the company and now are looking to cash in with a $146 million golden parachute.

  • Taking It to the Streets: promoting rallies, petitions, and meetings. We're making sure our communities know what's at stake and getting them involved. We've joined forces with other groups like farmers, community allies, and consumer advocates who are also worried about this merger. The more people we have on our side, the stronger our message becomes.

Our fight isn't over. Your involvement is crucial to our success. For example, by adding your stories of harm from past mergers, we are forcing the FTC to take notice that the people who are hurt most by these mega-mergers are the workers and the communities they serve.

Take Action

The FTC has the power to block this merger. Take action now by sending a message to the FTC to let them know we stand united in opposition to the Kroger/Albertsons merger.
 
We'll keep you posted as the fight continues. In the meantime, talk to your Union Rep or Steward to learn how you can be more involved.

Macy’s - NO PROGRESS AT THE TABLE

Macy’s
NO PROGRESS AT THE TABLE

“Macy’s says they don’t understand our proposal for a living wage, so let’s take to the streets to explain!” – Nicole Hardin, Bargaining Team Member

Our Bargaining Team met with Management again on July 31, our first date with a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

FMCS is a U.S. government agency that provides mediation and arbitration services to assist unions and Employers reach an agreement during contentious labor disputes. Since previous talks have been unfruitful, we believe that mediation is a necessary.

Our priorities were clearly articulated to the mediator, with a primary focus on:

  • Wage Increases: We are resolute in our demand for a fair general wage increase that accounts for historic inflation. We also want an extra wage boost for colleagues who have worked 10 or more years with the company.

  • Wage Scales: Maintaining and updating our wage scales is crucial to ensuring that our compensation remains competitive, but Macys wants them gone entirely!

  • Safety: It's a no-brainer—our workplace should be safe for everyone, whether you're a customer or a colleague. We're pushing for a contract that makes Macy's step up and make real changes to improve safety in the store.

  • Furniture Gallery Hours: We're still not happy about the late-night business hours. It's hurting our commissions, and we think it was a bad move.

Despite or Bargaining Team’s willingness to engage with Management, it seems like Management isn't quite on the same page. The Employer refused to even give us a counter proposal! This means that their previous supposal of a $0.35 general wage increase, coupled with a mere $0.10 for colleagues with 15 or more years of service, remains on the table.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. We firmly believe that it is time to take action! Join your co-workers at the informational pickets on Friday, August 11,@ 2pm—4pm. Your participation will send a powerful message to the Employer that we stand together in solidarity for a fair and just contract.

In the event an agreement is not reached this month, we may need to proceed with a strike authorization vote in September. This is not a step our Bargaining Team takes lightly, but it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a contract that addresses our concerns.

I’LL BE THERE!
PICKET ACTION RSVP
bit.ly/macys-info-picket-23 >>

PRMCE—Listen to Your Nurses and Community!

Since May 2023, we have been bargaining with Providence Everett management. Our objective has been safe staffing levels for our community and patients. Providence has rejected our staffing language and our ideas to retain and recruit nurses. It is time for our community and elected officials to hear about the staffing crisis at Providence Everett!

Nurses want the best for patients. Providence Everett wants the best for their pocketbooks.

It is time we take a stand.

Join us and bring your family and friends to one of the actions below and sign your strike pledge card! By signing a strike pledge card, we are saying that we are willing to strike in the future.

Wednesday, July 12

Snohomish City Council Meeting @ 10:30am

  • 3000 Rockefeller Ave. 

  • 8th Floor, Jackson Board Room

  • Robert J. Drewel Building

  • Everett, WA 98201

Everett City Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

  • William E Moore Historic City Hall (Police, North Precinct)

  • 3002 Wetmore Ave.

  • Everett, WA 98201

Thursday, July 13

Banner and Leaflet at Everett Marina Summer Concert @ 4:45PM to 6:00PM

  • On W. Marine View Drive (near Lombardi’s) underneath the Grand Avenue Park Bridge

Sunday, July 16

Banner and Leaflet Action @ 5:30PM to 7:00PM

  • Broadway and Pacific Ave

  • Everett, WA 98201

UFCW 3000 Members & Grocery Store Workers Across Nation to Hold Actions Opposing Kroger-Albertsons Megamerger

Coming soon to a store near you!

Leaflet Actions in Front of Kroger and Albertsons Stores “Stop The Merger – protect jobs, shoppers and access to food”

Grocery store workers from seven UFCW Local Unions – representing over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers in eleven states and the District of Columbia – will hold actions in front of stores between April 4th – 13th to connect with customers about the impacts of the proposed megamerger.  Since the companies announced the proposed merger in October, workers, unions, consumer groups and others have raised the alarm about the negative impact on workers, shoppers, and suppliers such as farmers and ranchers. In mid-March a national coalition of over 100 organizations was announced with a new website: https://www.nogrocerymerger.com/

If the $24.6 billion megamerger is approved, it will drive out competition, increase food prices, create food deserts, and put up to 100,000 union jobs at risk. The growing opposition is asking the Federal Trade Commission to block the megamerger from moving forward and prevent its negative impact on both consumer and labor markets.

All the local unions include: UFCW 3000 (WA & northern ID), UFCW 400 (MD,  DC, VA, WV, OH, KY, TN), UFCW  7 (CO & WY),  UFCW 770 (Southern CA), UFCW 5 (Northern CA), and UFCW 324 (Orange County CA/Southern Los Angeles County) and  UFCW 367, South Puget Sound of Washington State.

Join Us!

As part of these actions in states across the nation. UFCW 3000 will be holding over twenty-five actions across Washington state, including the following dates, times, locations:

4/4/2023 11:00AM
Fred Meyer Port Orchard
,
1900 SE Sedgwick Rd, Port Orchard, WA

4/4/2023 11:00AM
Fred Meyer Ballard,

915 NW 45Th St, Seattle, WA

4/5/2023 10:30AM
QFC 825,

2500 SW Barton St, Seattle WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 3317,

3355 Bethel RD Port Orchard, WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 414,

4301 212th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 464,

17246 Redmond Way, Redmond, WA

4/5/2023 12:00PM
QFC 826,

15600 NE 8th St Suite K-1 Bellevue, WA

4/5/2023 1:00 PM
Haggen 3450,

2601 E Divition St, Mount Vernon, WA

4/5/2023 1:45 PM
QFC 829,

460 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA

4/5/2023 2:00 PM
Albertsons 471,

301 Marysville Mall, Marysville, WA

4/5/2023 2:15 PM
Haggen 3436,

757 Haggen Dr, Burlington, WA 

4/5/2023 3:00 PM 18325
Fred Meyer 13,

18325 Aurora Ave. N

4/5/2023 4:00 PM
Albertsons 3412,

1128 N Miller St, Wenatchee, WA

4/5/2023 4:30 PM
Safeway 3213,

15332 Aurora Ave N Shoreline, WA

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
Albertsons 453,

4621 Sunset Blvd. NE, Renton, WA

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
Safeway 494,

152 Roosevelt Way E, Enumclaw, WA

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Albertsons 483,

4010 A St. SE, Auburn, WA

4/6/2023 3:00 PM
Fred Meyer 172,

10201 SE 240th St., Kent, WA

4/6/2023 3:00 PM
Fred Meyer 209,

9925 State Street, Marysville, WA 

4/6/2023 4:00 PM
Safeway 252,

690 Gage Blvd, Richland, WA 

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Albertsons 265,

6520 North Nevada St., Spokane, WA

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Fred Meyer 101,

Wellsian Way, Richland, WA

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Safeway 1524

1401 NE McWilliams Rd, Bremerton, WA

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QFC Ballard,

5700 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA

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Safeway 1524,

1401 NE McWilliams Rd Bremerton WA 98311

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QFC Holman Road,

9999 Holman Rd NW, Seattle, WA

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Fred Meyer 171

5050 WA-303, Bremerton WA

Safe Staffing Bill SB 5236 Passes Senate Ways & Means Committee

A spread of three photos: One of two people in scrubs holding signs in support of safe staffing at the state capitol, the next a group of health care workers holding signs supporting safe staffing, and one of attendees at an outdoor candlelight

We’re writing with an update on the progress of Senate Bill 5236 – our bill to create safe staffing standards in Washington.

Last Friday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to pass an amended version of SB 5236. It is worth celebrating that this bill is continuing to move forward through the legislative process, even as we know the fight for a strong version with meaningful enforcement provisions is ongoing. At this point, a few senators have prevented us from implementing statewide safe staffing standards across the board as initially proposed. Despite this, the committee did amend SB 5236 to strengthen staffing committees and improve enforcement, setting a solid foundation for us to keep fighting for safe staffing standards. We’re confident this agreement gets us closer to enforceable staffing standards by establishing penalties for hospitals that continue to violate staffing plans, and under the amended bill, if hospitals continue those violations, they would be subject to Labor and Industries’ strict enforcement of safe staffing standards.

The most important thing for all healthcare workers to know is that negotiations at the Capitol around this bill – what staffing standards and enforcement will look like – are ongoing as we speak, and state senators need to hear loud and clear from their constituents that this bill should stay as strong as possible. 

There is still time for hospital lobbyists to try to weaken the bill, but that means there is also time for us to make our voices heard. Contacting your senator, and encouraging your coworkers, family, friends, and community to do so as well, is the main way we can keep up the pressure. Share your experiences with short-staffing and what it means for your patients. Let them know what the current lack of accountability around staffing plans looks like day to day. Make it clear that their constituents are paying attention and demanding action.

Our next hurdle will be to get SB 5236 passed off the Senate floor by March 8th. We thank Sen. June Robinson for being our legislative champion on behalf of Washington’s healthcare workers and Sen. Christine Rolfes, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, for keeping the focus on this bill until it was voted out of committee.

Your work and advocacy up to this point have been invaluable. We encourage you to continue reaching out to your Legislators to urge them to pass SB 5236.

We’re Telling Our Legislators: Safe Staffing Standards Can’t Wait

After supporting our communities through three years of a pandemic, staffing in our hospitals is worse than ever. We know we don’t have a shortage of healthcare workers; we have a shortage of healthcare workers who are willing to work in these conditions. That’s why we’re calling on the legislature to pass a comprehensive law that puts patient safety and healthcare workers first.

Senate Bill 5236 calling for safe staffing standards was introduced in the Washington State legislature and had its first public hearing Jan. 17. The bill includes:

  • Safe staffing standards including maximum patient assignments

  • Adequate enforcement of staffing laws

  • Expanded protections for overtime and breaks

  • Protecting our rights to staffing committees and expanding them to be inclusive of the entire care team


 

Healthcare workers’ voices are critical!

Email your legislator. As constituents and union members, we know that direct communication with our elected representatives is one of the most effective ways to advocate for change. Send a message using our online advocacy tool:

 

IN OLYMPIA:

The state Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce heard public testimony in support of SB 5236

“Less than one year ago I provided testimony on HB 1868 hoping this state would pass a law ensuring nurses and patients had safe healthcare environments – instead, staffing got worse. Not because this state isn’t educating enough nurses. The shortage is not nurses, the shortage is safe work environments. No amount of money can keep nurses repeatedly experiencing moral injury and burnout.” - Kelli Johnson, RN, Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett

 

“I have served on the staffing committee at our hospital for many years and have chaired that committee for the last year and a half. I am here to tell you it is infuriating to sit in committee month after month, year after year and see how our staffing guidelines are breached every single day on many units a day leaving nurses in untenable, dangerous and heartbreaking situations.” - Nonie Kingma, RN, Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane

 

“Implementing safe staffing standards in every Washington hospital is the one thing that will make patient care safe again and keep healthcare workers like me at the bedside. Patient care is devastated, and that’s devastating for those of us at the bedside. Where I work, folks’ fingers are on the send button to resign. They are ready to move to outpatient care, retire — frankly, anything else. This bill makes working in a hospital safe again. This bill is what will keep and bring healthcare workers back to the beside.” - Melissa Swetland Leaptrot, RN, St. Anne Hospital, Burien

A person speaking in front of a bookshelf

Senate Hearing on Safe Staffing Law a Huge Success!

Watch UFCW 3000 member Kelli Johnson, Providence Everett ER nurse, speak to state senators about the importance of safe staffing standards.

This week UFCW 3000 members and our allies at SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and WSNA, along with community supporters, made our presence known at the State Capitol during a state senate hearing on Safe Staffing bill SB 5236. Health care workers testified during the committee hearing and met with lawmakers to ensure they know how desperate the staffing crisis is—and how important it is to pass statewide safe staffing standards now.

Less than one year ago I provided testimony on House Bill 1868 hoping the state would pass a law ensuring nurses and patients have a safe healthcare environment. Instead, staffing got worse,” said UFCW 3000 member and Providence Everett emergency RN Kelli Johnson to the senate committee. “The shortage is not nurses, the shortage is safe work environments. No amount of money can keep nurses repeatedly experiencing moral injury and burnout, two of the top three reasons nurses leave the profession.

We are not alone: Firefighters, mental health advocates, rare disease patient advocates, and others also testified in support. And more than 2,000 people signed in “Pro” in support of the bill, more than twice as many as those opposed!

Take action to support SB 5236: